When Summer Choi arrived at the University of Iowa, she didn’t know anyone. Now, she has made so many friends and connections in Iowa that she’d love to stick around. But she’s keeping her options open and looking for the perfect opportunity in the computer field to practice the leaderships skills she says she’s learned on campus.

Choi, who earns a BS in computer science and mathematics from Iowa in May, is president of Delta Phi Lambda Sorority and serves on the Multicultural Greek Council. As an undergraduate, she has completed internships in web design at the Iowa City Public Library and in UI Information Technology Services. She also has worked as a student manager at Burge Market Place.

An interest in technology drew Choi to study computer science, while a love of drawing and creativity prompted her to minor in art.

“I have a passion for problem solving and utilizing my creativity to find innovative solutions,” she states on her LinkedIn page. “My goal is to blend my technical expertise with my artistic background to make a meaningful impact in the field. I am excited to connect and explore opportunities where I can make a difference.”

Why did you choose the University of Iowa?

I grew up in a big city in Korea, and I wanted to experience a more rural area. I love how whenever I need to clear my mind in Iowa, I can go on a short drive outside Iowa City and enjoy the quietness.

I came to the University of Iowa because I heard that it had really good community. What has surprised me the most is how many resources are available on campus. Whenever I have needed academic advice or anything else, there have been people ready to help.

What has been your most memorable experience at Iowa?

The people in general are the most memorable. I’ve met a lot of people through classes, work, my sorority, and other student organizations, and I’m really grateful for that. I love the sense of community and the sense of belonging I have found here—the University of Iowa really welcomed me. People talk about “Iowa nice,” and it’s true. Everyone is willing to help each other out, no matter what.

What is one of your biggest takeaways from your Iowa education, especially having experienced it during a pandemic?

Being a Hawkeye means being very independent but also together. I feel the university teaches you to be a leader but also part of a team. With a double major and a minor, I’ve experienced a lot of different areas of the school and learned a lot of different skills. Through my computer science classes, I’ve grown my professional skills, but I also really love the art program and being in the art building.

During the pandemic, I had to take classes online and found I had to put just as much effort into them. It was a challenging time, but I learned how to ask for assistance when I needed it.

What are your plans after graduation?

It’s kind of challenging being an international student—the job market isn’t great—but my goal is to use the experience I got at Iowa and be an independent woman leader. I had opportunities for leadership in my sorority, and I want to use those skills to impact and empower other people.

Who has been your most important mentor?

When I first got here, I didn’t know anyone. It was so different going from a big city to a medium-sized city, but a lot of people helped me through my journey of learning. That said, I would say that my sorority sisters, especially the older ones, were my most important mentors. They told me how to get involved and where to find resources and generally helped me navigate college.

What is the University of Iowa’s biggest selling point?

The campus resources. Unfortunately, many people don’t know they exist. University Counseling Service, for example, is free for students, but a lot of people who struggle with depression don’t know about it. If you need something, look for it—because the university has everything you need.